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The Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey burst into a riot of color, culture, and community as the Rajasthani Organization of American Residents (ROAR) hosted its 9th Annual Teej Mahotsav on July 27, 2025.
Drawing a packed house for the third consecutive year, the sold-out event was a vibrant celebration of Rajasthani heritage, Indian traditions, and global unity.
The festivities began with a unique matrimonial meet-and-greet and a networking hour, setting the tone for a day that honored both culture and connection. The traditional Teej Mata procession soon followed, complete with an energetic band baja and spirited performances from both men and women.
A standout moment came during the famed Kacchi Ghodi dance, performed by ROAR members in full regalia, captivating the audience with its vivid storytelling and footwork.
A ceremonial Diya lighting was held, graced by several esteemed dignitaries including ROAR President Tarang Soni, Founding Chairman Parmeshwar Soni, and Advisory Board Members Chandra Sukhwal, Haridas Kotawala, and Naveen Shah, among others.
In a poignant tribute, ROAR members presented a heartfelt dance performance dedicated to women who lost loved ones during the Pahalgam pilgrimage and Operation SINDOOR, drawing deep emotional responses from attendees.
A high point of the celebration was the special letter of recognition from the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi. Even during his official visit to the Maldives, the Prime Minister acknowledged ROAR’s efforts in preserving and promoting Indian and Rajasthani culture abroad.
Adding a dose of humor and Bollywood flair, actor and comedian Omi Vaidya—famed for his role as “Chatur” in 3 Idiots—brought the house down with his comedy set, delighting guests of all ages.
No Rajasthani celebration is complete without its legendary cuisine, and this event was no exception. Attendees enjoyed a lavish spread featuring traditional favorites like Daal Baati Churma, Sangri ki Sabzi, Gatte ki Sabzi, Mirchi Vada, Motichoor Ladoo, and an authentic Ghevar specially flown in from Jaipur.
The evening also saw the grand finale of the 3rd International Rajasthani Pageant. Jeeval Paliwal was crowned Teen Rajasthan, with Mati Rajvanshi as runner-up. In the Mrs. Rajasthan category, Payal Sharma took home the crown, followed by Bhavna Nigam and Milie Rajput as first and second runners-up. Bhavna was also awarded the Teej Queen title, while Milie won the prestigious Padmini Award. Judges Brenda Bjerke and Kamaljit Sharma presided over the competition.
ROAR used the occasion to launch its youth wing, Youth of Rajasthan (YOR), marking a new chapter for younger generations to engage with their cultural roots. Founding members Atharva Soni, Aveeka Agarwal, Jeeval Paliwal, Mati Rajvanshi, and Kaashish Vyas shared their vision for the future.
The night culminated in a breathtaking concert by Bollywood and Rajasthani singer Aishwarya Pandit, who lit up the stage with a live band flown in from India. Her powerful voice set the tone for an unforgettable Ghoomar dance performance, as dozens of women in traditional attire took to the dance floor. Men also joined in with folk-inspired performances, rounding out the cultural spectacle.
The event was hosted by Bollywood-Hollywood actor and director Aric Diamani, along with the first-ever Mrs. Rajasthan, Neha Bhansali, who kept the energy high and the program running seamlessly.
President Tarang Soni expressed deep gratitude to the Indian Consulate in NYC, including Honorable Piyush Singh and Mahesh Yadav, as well as the numerous sponsors and partners who made the event possible. Diamond Sponsors included Protrude Technologies and Saffaltech, with additional support from Navika Capital, Urban Tandoor, Misthaan, Ahuja Perfumes, Unity Bank, and others.
Media coverage played a vital role in amplifying the event’s reach and success. ROAR extended heartfelt thanks to its media partners: EBC Radio, Zee TV, Zee Rajasthan, YO1, ITV Gold, AajTak, India Today, Admark, TV Asia, and others. Parikh Worldwide Media was officially recognized as a media sponsor for its continued support of cultural events in the diaspora. A representative from the organization proudly accepted the award from President Tarang Soni on stage.
“Our mission has always been to keep our cultural roots alive while building bridges across communities here in the U.S.,” Soni said. “The success of Teej Mahotsav year after year shows that the spirit of Rajasthan lives strong across generations and oceans.”
As the lights dimmed on another successful celebration, one thing was clear: ROAR’s Teej Mahotsav continues to be a shining beacon of cultural pride, unity, and joy for Indian-Americans and beyond.
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